Top Plant Picks June 2022
Summer is in full swing in our gardens! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for June.
Ginkgo biloba ‘Magyar’ (Ginkgo / Maindenhair Tree)
Bloom Time: March – April
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Tolerates: Deer and pollution
Native to North America: No
Zones: 3 – 8
Other: Introduction from Princeton University. Excellent street tree! A male clone of G. biloba, it does not possess the stinky fruit.
Location: Frist Learning Center Courtyard
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum (Japanese Painted Fern)
Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Tolerates: Rabbits, deer, & heavy shade
Native to North America: No
Zones: 5 – 8
Other: Best red color shows in heavier shade; weeping habit.
Location: Burr Terrace Garden
Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDOY3’ Wheels of Wonder® Orange Wonder (Ice Plant)
Bloom Time: spring – fall
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Dry
Wildlife: Butterflies, moths, hoverflies, & bees
Tolerates: Poor Soils
Native to North America: No
Zones: 5 – 10
Other: Great water wise plant with an exceptionally long blooming period.
Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Southern Charm’ Teddy Bear® (Southern Magnolia)
Bloom Time: June – September
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife:Seeds feed birds, squirrels, rabbits, & wild turkey
Tolerates: Acidic soils, wet soils
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 7 – 9
Other: Largest native flower in North America.
Location: Weaver Walk
Boxwood macrophyla ‘Green Pillow’ (Littleleaf Boxwood)
Bloom Time: Insignificant
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Tolerates: Rabbit & deer
Native to North America: No
Zones: 6 – 9
Other: A dwarf, cushion’y cultivar. 3ft. X 3ft. max size.
Location: Howe Garden: Wildings
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)
Bloom Time: May – June
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife:Bees and butterflies
Tolerates: Some dry conditions
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 5 – 9
Other: Wonderful cut flower! Amazing fall color. Native to the southeastern U.S.
Location: Carell Dogwood Garden: Hydrangea Trail
Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Sunset’ (Flowering Dogwood)
Bloom Time: April – May
Sun Requirement: Part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife:Attracts long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, & butterflies
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 5 – 9
Other: Larval host for cecropia silkmoth & spring azure butterfly. Striking variegated leaves.
Location: Museum Front Lawn
Lysimachia lanceolata ‘Burgundy Mist’ (Lance-leaved Loosestrife)
Bloom Time: June
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part sun
Water Requirement: Medium – dry
Wildlife:Short-tongue bees
Tolerates: Deer & heat
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 4 – 8
Other: A great plant solution for weedy areas of the garden.
Location: Howe Garden
